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Machinist/Programmer, Mill Turn

San Francisco

As a team, we’ve launched five satellites into orbit, signed ten commercial deals worth over $1 billion in revenue, raised over $750 million from top global investors, and recruited a team of over 400 world-class engineers. We all work out of our (legendary) San Francisco office, which was once used to build ships during the World Wars.

Our satellites, which operate from geostationary orbit (GEO), weigh only 400 kg and utilize a proprietary software-defined radio payload. Each satellite can connect over two million people, and we’re very excited for the impact we’ll soon have in the Philippines, Peru, Mexico, and more!

Backed by substantial funding and a passionate, collaborative team, we offer a rewarding work environment where you'll learn and make a significant impact, no matter where you are in your career.

Machinist, Mill Turn 

As a Machinist, Mill Turn, you will play a key role in manufacturing flight components for these spacecraft, ensuring precision and quality in all parts. This position will focus on operating and programming a variety of CNC machines with a specialization in mill/turn machines, ensuring that all machined parts meet the highest standards required for space technology. You will collaborate closely with design engineering to manufacture parts for both prototypes and production, contributing directly to mission-critical projects.

Role:

  • Set up and operate CNC mills, lathes, and mill/turn machines (2, 3, 5, and 9-axis), selecting appropriate tooling and creating necessary programs to ensure precision machining of parts.
  • Write and edit programs for CNC machines (including HAAS, Matsuura, and DMG Mori) to fabricate aerospace components. Optimize machine cycles for productivity and accuracy.
  • Select and create tooling setups based on part requirements. Use inspection tools such as calipers, micrometers, and evaluate inspection reports from Coordinate Measurement Machines (CMM’s) to verify the dimensions and quality of parts.
  • Run multiple CNC machines simultaneously, scheduling jobs effectively to maximize production output without compromising quality.
  • Work with design engineering teams to provide feedback for manufacturability, design considerations, and material suitability. Assist in resolving any non-conformance issues during the machining process.
  • Maintain accurate documentation of part configuration, material certification, and traceability via the Manufacturing Execution System (MES).
  • Identify defects during the manufacturing process and write non-conformance tickets to communicate issues and initiate resolution processes.
  • Procure materials needed for machining jobs as per project requirements.
  • Assist in training new employees and provide guidance to other machinists in the shop on CNC programming, machining processes, and best practices.

Requirements:

  • High school diploma (or GED) and at least 5 years of related experience or equivalent combination of education and experience in CNC machining, particularly with mill/turn operations.
  • 8+ years of experience operating CNC machines for aerospace, medical, or other high-reliability industries.
  • 5+ years of programming and operating mill/turn machines. 
  • Proficient in programming CNC mill/turn machines or other live tool turret lathes with sub spindles. 
  • Skilled in using inspection tools such as CMM, calipers, micrometers, and other precision measuring instruments to verify dimensions and ensure quality standards are met. Strong understanding of GD&T and its applications. 
  • Familiar with SolidWorks, Fusion CAD/CAM, Mastercam, or other CAM software for part programming and design interpretation.
  • Strong understanding of geometry, trigonometry, and shop math, with the ability to apply concepts such as fractions, decimals, and conversions to machining tasks.
  • Knowledge of safety procedures and ability to adhere to safety regulations while operating machines and working in a high-concentration, fast-paced environment.
  • Ability to be onsite 5 days a week, ensuring consistent production and collaboration with team members.

Bonus:

  • Experience programming and running dual channel mill turn centers (preferably Siemens 840D controlled). CMM Programming & Operation: Experience with Mitutoyo or Zeiss CMM programming for part inspection and verification (MCOSMOS or Calypso).
  • Familiarity with aerospace-grade materials (aluminum, titanium, etc) and knowledge of their machining requirements.
  • Experience in welding (TIG, UHV TIG, EBW, or other bonding processes). 
  • Knowledge of proper component cleaning, bagging, and documentation processes for aerospace parts.
  • Experience with composite materials and fabrication techniques. 

Physical Requirements:

  • Ability to remain stationary for prolonged periods (standing or sitting) while operating machinery.
  • Ability to lift, move, and position objects up to 25 pounds.
  • Comfortable using hand tools, precision instruments, and assisting in assembly test fixture setups.
  • Occasional lifting and handling of heavy or bulky objects (up to 50 pounds).
  • Frequent movement within the machine shop environment to operate and maintain various machines.

Environmental Conditions:

  • Work in noisy environments with exposure to fumes, chemicals, and high-concentration, fast-paced operations.
  • Safety procedures required, including use of PPE such as face masks, face shields, gloves, and safety-toe shoes.

Safety & PPE:

  • Follow safety protocols, including proper handling and disposal of hazardous materials.
  • Adhere to lockout/tagout procedures, equipment safety checks, and safe machine operation.
  • Ensure PPE is worn at all times, including face masks, face shields, gloves, and safety-toe shoes.

Certifications & Requirements:

  • Ability to obtain forklift certification.
  • CAD/ CAM software certifications are a plus.
  • Occasional overtime or weekend work may be required to meet mission-critical project deadlines

Additional Requirements

  • Occasionally requires overtime
  • Occasionally requires working weekends
  • Occasionally requires schedule flexibility
  • Occasionally requires non-standard work-week hours
  • Occasionally requires extended hours to support launch and flight critical project timelines
What we offer: 
 
All our positions offer a compensation package that includes equity and robust benefits.
 
Base pay is a single component of Astranis's total rewards package, which may also include equity in the form of incentive stock options, high quality company-subsidized healthcare, disability and life insurance benefits, flexible PTO, 401(K) retirement, and free on-site catered meals.
 
Astranis pay ranges are informed and defined through professional-grade salary surveys and compensation data sources. The actual base salary offered to a successful candidate will additionally be influenced by a variety of factors including experience, credentials & certifications, educational attainment, skill level requirements, and the level and scope of the position.

Base Hourly Pay

$50 - $60 USD

U.S. Citizenship, Lawful Permanent Residency, or Refugee/Asylee Status Required
(To comply with U.S. Government space technology export regulations, applicant must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the United States, or other protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3))
 
Our mission and our products are meant to connect the world and everyone in it, regardless of gender, race, creed, or any other distinction. We believe in a diverse and inclusive workplace, and we encourage all people to join our team and bring their unique perspective to help make us stronger.

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